This morning we awoke early before breakfast to the surreal sight of calm sea conditions, no wind and delicate snowflakes landing on the deck of the National Geographic Orion. We took this early morning opportunity to board the Zodiacs and cruise around the harbor surrounding Port Lockroy, watching the local inhabitants emerge from their slumber and go about their daily rituals.

We were lucky enough to spot lots of Gentoo penguins, Antarctic fur seals and a myriad of other species in this spectacular icy landscape before heading back to the ship for a hearty breakfast prepared by our favourite galley team.

Over breakfast, the Captain repositioned the ship a few cables length away from Antarctic Base A and we were once again donning our Shackleton-style parkas and heading ashore for another spectacular day exploring Antarctica.

We landed first at Jougula Point to visit a large Gentoo penguin colony, we all enjoyed watching the penguins navigate this rocky and muddy terrain and couldn’t help laughing at some very dirty penguins slipping and sliding in the mud.

Afterwards we had a short Zodiac transfer to the nearby island of Port Lockroy were we were able to visit the historic station and museum. Antarctic Base A was first established by the British in 1944 to observe German shipping in the area during World War II and has since been restored by the Antarctic Heritage Trust. No visit to the station is complete without a stop at the gift shop and we were soon boarding the Zodiacs with arms full of shopping bags and huge grins from our short bout of retail therapy.

In the afternoon, with the sun now shining and clear blue skies, we once again boarded the Zodiacs for a short cruise around Bulls Island to watch the glaciers carve above us and the seals lazing around on icebergs. When we returned to the ship some of our fellow shipmates, in what can only be described as a brave act of foolishness, decided to partake in the traditional polar plunge – jumping into the frigid waters of the bay to the wild applause of all on board.

What a fantastic action-packed day in the Antarctic Peninsula, one can only image what adventures lay in store for us tomorrow…